Taunting Callum (Big Sky Royal 3)

“Okay. I guess. Mary’s going to work with me over the next few days.”

“You’ll love her. Please tell her hello for me. And, Aspen, just relax and soak it in. No one will quiz you, and we’ll all help you as time goes on. I’m still learning, too. Oh, and just let that whole article roll off your back. It’s ridiculous, and people say stupid things.”

Aspen’s eyes fly to mine, and I hurry away to fetch my iPad. What in the bloody hell is she talking about?

“I haven’t seen an article,” I hear Aspen reply.

“Oh. Well, when you do, put on your thick skin and remember that they don’t know you, and they never will. Keep your chin up. I’m going to hug you properly when you get home. I’m so excited for you, my friend.”

“Thank you. I’ll probably call again for more advice.”

“I’m here anytime,” Nina assures her before hanging up, and Aspen passes my mobile back to me.

“What article?” Aspen asks.

The image on the screen, along with the headline, have me raging on the inside. I want to tear someone apart.

But I remain calm and turn it for her to see.

“Prince Callum to wed poor American widow: a rags to riches story.” She raises a brow and looks at me. “Well, they work fast.”

“Bloody vultures,” I mutter and take the tablet away, turn it off, and toss it onto the bed. “She’s right, ignore them.”

“I have more important things to think about,” she says, waving it off. “I’ve been here less than twenty-four hours, and it’s already painfully obvious that I’m way underqualified for this.”

“We all are. But you’ll learn. The most important part, the loving-me part, you have down to a science.”

“You say pretty things just to appease me.”

“Did it work?”

“Sort of.” She rubs her hand over her face. “What do we have for today?”

“Lunch with Freddy and Catherine. That’s it. And tomorrow, we have the ribbon cutting for the hospital in Edinburgh.”

“Lunch with the heir to the throne and ribbon cuttings.” She laughs and sits on the bench in the middle of the closet. “Custom-made designer clothes. And a prince.”

“It’s a lot.”

“It’s massive,” she agrees. “And you’re right. I’ll learn. But damn, Callum, I had no idea. Am I going to have to give up Drips & Sips?”

“No.” I sit next to her and take her hand. “Owning a business isn’t against any rule. You may have to hire a general manager to oversee it for you because there will be some travel for us, but it’s my goal to live in Montana as much as possible.”

“What about your responsibilities here?”

“We’ll figure it out. I can work remotely for a lot of it.”

“Will I need to sell my house?”

“Do you want to?”

She bites her lip. “I don’t think I do. I love that house. I know it’s not fancy, but it’s mine.”

“Then we won’t sell. You have plenty of space and buildings for security. I like your home.”

“You don’t want something fancier?”

“Aspen, I want you. And I want you to be happy. If living in your lovely Montana home makes you happy, that’s where we’ll live. Yes, there’s a lot of pomp and circumstance that comes with marrying a member of the royal family, but let’s not lose sight of the heart of this, shall we? It’s you and me. We’re two people who love each other. We make the rest fit into that.”

“I like that. And I needed the reminder. Thank you.”

“Now, choose something to wear, and we’ll go see my brother.”

“How formal is lunch?”

“Not formal. I’ll be wearing slacks and a button-down shirt.”

“So, a casual dress is appropriate?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, I’ll be ready in thirty minutes.”* * *“You’re lovely.” I kiss Aspen’s hand as we walk down the hall to the dining room to meet Freddy and Catherine. “Green is your color.”

“Of course, it is, I’m a redhead.” She smiles up at me and then looks a bit nervous as we reach the dining room’s threshold.

“You’ve already met him,” I remind her.

“That was different.” She takes a deep breath. “But let’s do this.”

Frederick and Catherine are already waiting for us and stand to greet us warmly.

“Your Highness,” Aspen says to Freddy, who smiles warmly and takes her hands in his.

“Aspen, it’s lovely to see you again. We’re about to be family, so please, call me Freddy.”

“Thank you.”

“And you remember my wife, Catherine.”

“Of course.”

“How is Montana?” Catherine asks. “Your parents are staying for a while, so they must be enjoying it.”

“It sounds that way,” I agree. “It’s beautiful there.”

“You should come and visit,” Aspen says. “I think you’d enjoy it. And your children would love all of the outdoor activities.”

“It’s certainly on our list of places for a holiday,” Freddy says.

“Well, if nothing else, you’ll get to see it when we get married.” Aspen grins, and my brother’s startled eyes find mine.